Thomas Francis Hickey (United States Army officer) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Thomas Francis Hickey
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Hickey as a brigadier general during World War II
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| Born | April 1, 1898 |
| Died | November 1, 1983 (aged 85) |
| Allegiance | United States |
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Branch
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United States Army |
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Rank
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Lieutenant General |
| Commands | Third United States Army IX Corps XVIII Airborne Corps 82nd Airborne Division 31st Division Artillery X Corps Artillery 42nd Division Artillery |
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Conflicts
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World War I World War II Korean War |
| Awards | Army Distinguished Service Medal (2) Silver Star Legion of Merit Bronze Star Medal Purple Heart |
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Thomas Francis Hickey (born April 1, 1898 – died November 1, 1983) was a dedicated officer in the United States Army. He served for many years, from 1916 to 1958, and reached a very high rank: lieutenant general.
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Early Life and Military Start
Thomas Hickey was born in South Boston, Massachusetts, on April 1, 1898. His parents were Lawrence and Johanna Hickey. He finished South Boston High School in 1916.
Young Thomas was a great athlete in high school. He played football, basketball, and was on the track team. His school also had a program called the Boston School Cadets. This program gave military training to male high school students. Hickey was a captain in this program, showing his early interest in the military.
Hickey always wanted a military career. Soon after high school, he joined the army as a private. In 1917, he was promoted to corporal. He then got the chance to train as an officer. In 1917, he went to officer training at Plattsburgh Barracks. To meet the age rules, he said he was born in 1897. In November 1917, he became a second lieutenant in the Cavalry.
Military Career During World Wars
Hickey served in France during World War I. He led a group of soldiers in the 341st and 7th Machine Gun Battalions. He fought in important battles like the St. Mihiel and Meuse-Argonne Offensives. He was wounded during his service and received the Purple Heart medal.
After World War I, Hickey stayed in Germany as part of the Army of Occupation until 1922. Later that year, he joined the Field Artillery, which uses large guns. In 1926, he finished the Field Artillery Officer Course. In 1932, he helped train and guide National Guard units. He also attended the Command and General Staff College, a special military school, graduating in 1938. From 1940 to 1942, he taught at this same college.
In 1942, during World War II, Hickey became an Assistant Chief of Staff for the II Corps. From 1942 to 1943, he was the chief of staff for the XI Corps. He helped plan and carry out their missions in the Pacific Theater. After a short time leading the 42nd Division Artillery, Hickey was promoted to brigadier general. He then commanded the X Corps Artillery in the South West Pacific Theater. During the Leyte Campaign, he led the 31st Division Artillery.
Post-War Service and Retirement
After World War II ended, Hickey became the chief of staff for United States Forces Austria in 1946. He then commanded the 82nd Airborne Division from 1950 to 1952. After that, he led the XVIII Airborne Corps from 1952 to 1953.
Hickey commanded the IX Corps from 1953 to 1954. He led this group as the Korean War was ending. In 1954, Hickey became the deputy commander of United States Army Forces in the Far East and was promoted to lieutenant general. He commanded IX Corps again from 1954 to 1955. His final command was the Third United States Army at Fort McPherson, where he stayed until he retired in 1958.
Awards and Honors
Thomas Hickey received many awards for his brave service. These included:
- The Army Distinguished Service Medal (twice)
- The Silver Star
- The Legion of Merit
- The Bronze Star Medal
- The Purple Heart (for being wounded in battle)
- The Air Medal
In 1958, Fordham University gave him an honorary doctor of laws degree.
Life After the Army
After retiring from the army, Hickey worked for the National Security Council. From 1958 to 1961, he was the Staff Director for the Net Evaluation Subcommittee. This group was created by President Dwight Eisenhower. Its job was to figure out how much damage the Soviet Union could do to the United States and its bases overseas. They also watched for any changes in the Soviet Union's abilities.
Thomas Hickey passed away on November 1, 1983, in Arlington, Virginia. He was buried at Arlington National Cemetery, a special place where many military heroes are laid to rest.
